When "American Idol" fans bounced Pia Toscano from the competition on April 7, the stunned
responses of the judges
and the subsequent blogospheric supernova (as well as producer Nigel Lythgoe's reaction-goosing tweets) suggested that it was the most shocking development on the show in quite some time. But it was all too predictable, if only you were to notice which side of the gender line Toscano happens to call home.

Yes, "Idol" has a women problem. Every week that there's been an elimination this season, at least one female contestant has gone home. The one time that the pattern might have been interrupted, the judges chose to reinforce the issue by using their one save on Casey Abrams. The following week's double boot took out not one but two women: Naima Adedapo and Thia Megia. Of the seven female singers in the final 13, only two remain. All six of the men still stand.

This is not a new problem. Last season, it wasn't until seventh place that an elimination week went by without a woman going home. Just like the current season, the judges' save was used the very first time a male singer (Michael Lynche) would have gone. While Andrew Garcia went home a week later, so did Katie Stevens, who is, let's see here ... oh, right — a girl. And in season eight, only five women made it to the top 13, and only one of them — Alison Iraheta — was still standing a month before the finale.

It was a far cry from the previous time the producers had opted not to force an even gender split. That was the third season, where, left to their own devices, voters picked a top 12 where the women outnumbered the men two to one and the show featured its first (and only) all-female top four. That's starting to look like something that will never happen again. Some are saying the same thing about a female winner.

So what's going on when, for the second season in a row, "Idol" is taking every opportunity during the first half of the performance portion to get rid of yet another woman? It's not necessarily a matter of the voters being sexist or only watching the show to find new TV boyfriends, though certainly
Adedapo hasn't been shy about her feelings about that phenomenon in interviews
and on Twitter. But whatever's driving it, the fact remains that "Idol" has settled into a definite, stubborn bias against its female contestants.

One step toward finding a solution would be for the judges to do a better job of selecting women for the voting rounds who are both talented and interesting. That goes double for their wild-card picks during the semifinals.

Adedapo's case is admittedly cloudy. She promised to be quirky and strong, but quickly abandoned the latter soon after getting her second chance as a wild-card selection. Ashthon Jones, on the other hand, seemed as though she was picked more out of demographic expediency. Without her, the show would have lacked the type of traditional belty R&B diva that's been synonymous with the show since day one.

But it's not day one anymore. What used to win "Idol" — big, bold, stun-power voices like Kelly Clarkson's, Carrie Underwood's and even, to a degree, Ruben Studdard's — doesn't work in a post-David Cook world. That's what made Toscano such a head-scratching contestant.

The biggest nit about her was that she came across as stiff and personality-free as she stood stock-still in the middle of the stage in pageant dress after pageant dress, banging out ballad after ballad. Last week's performance of Tina Turner's version of "River Deep, Mountain High" — in an look styled by Gwen Stefani — only underlined that even further.

It was as though she were competing to be the "American Idol" ... in 2004. That's less than a decade ago, but in "Idol" terms, it's more than enough for her to be, as Simon Cowell might have told her, hopelessly old fashioned. Toscano was playing a game that had long since moved on from the obsolete tactics she was using. Meanwhile, ask yourself when the last time a male singer in the mold of Justin Guarini or Clay Aiken made it to the top 12.

On the other hand, look at the highest-placing women of the past few seasons. Crystal Bowersox. Brooke White. Iraheta. Heck, just take a look at the last two remaining this year: Haley Reinhart and Lauren Alaina. None of them were the pageanty vocal acrobats stereotypically associated with "Idol." For those, you'd have to go to Toscano, Thia Megia, Jones and Karen Rodriguez ... who were four of the first five women eliminated this season.

Maybe it's no surprise when you consider the most successful female pop stars of the moment, like Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Pink, Rihanna, Taylor Swift and Ke$ha. Of the only two who actually fit the traditional "Idol" mold, Beyoncé released her last album in 2008 and Kelly Clarkson ... well, she already won.

Or maybe there's simply nothing that can be done about the fact that women have become marginalized as the opening acts on "Idol" while men are the headliners. It could very well be that the demographics of the viewers who choose to vote unavoidably skew sharply female and crushy, whether it's screaming teenagers or older women who wave signs that say things like "Cougars for Cook" without a shred of embarrassment.

Regardless of the cause, the problem not only persists, but is a thorn that's digging deeper and deeper under the show's skin with each passing week. There will surely always be room for singers without Y chromosomes on "Idol" so long as the show lasts. But future female contestants should take note: The odds are very much stacked against you.

Video: Toscano on ‘Idol’ elimination: ‘This was God’s plan’

>>>"
american idol
" are up in arms after last week's surprising elimination of front-runner pia toscano. despite receiving praise from the judges week after week, she was voted off. now fans have even started a campaign to have her reinstated. she joins us on the sofa. good morning.

>>good morning.

>>we know the judges were shocked and america, hollywood was shocked, we were shocked. how shocked were you?

>>you know, i had a feeling the night before. it was just a feeling in my stomach. i said, i think i'm going to be in the bottom three tomorrow. they said, why would you say that? i said, i have that feeling. so it didn't come as a shock to me when i was in the bottom three, but you never expect to get voted off so early.

>>when you heard your name?

>>it was hard. it was a tough night.

>>after your elimination,
steven tyler
spoke out and -- trying to figure out why you didn't get the votes he said guys aren't voting and girls are jealous. do you agree with him?

>>you know, you don't know. there are a lot of female fans voting for the boys, but you don't know. you have to go out every week, give 110% and be happy with your performance. that's all you can do.

>>when did you realize getting voted off wasn't going to be the
end of the road
for you?

>>that night, everything was hitting me. all i kept thinking of was my journey was over on the show. i never imagined i would get the support i have been getting from people i have looked up to my whole life.

>>we're hearing about a record deal. can you confirm that?

>>i have been so busy we haven't talked about anything yet. we're focused on the tour now and whatever opportunities come my way, i'll take.

>>will.i.am said, i have been told "no" a lot and i have learned
over time
that doesn't mean it's the end. what has this taught you?

>>i tried to spin it in a positive way that this was god's plan. maybe it's a
blessing in disguise
. it's opened so many doors for me. i have no regrets whatsoever.

>>they are talking about changing the rules in the future so
america votes
on the bottom three but the judges decide who's going to leave the show. do you think that would be better? that probably would have saved you for sure?

>>it may have. i can't say. the voting is -- you know, it's hard to say really. i think the judges should have a say. i think they should.

>>we were talking during the break about what it takes to sing your good-bye song after knowing you have been eliminated. i imagine you feel you can handle anything, any venue, any crowd, any situation.

>>i would have to say that was the toughest moment for me. that was the hardest thing i have done. i was trying to breathe the whole time, get through the song and i really couldn't. i was too emotional.

>>you said your family is there as well. did you feel you had let them down?

>>not that i let them down, but the last time they were out was my top 12 female performance, the girls performance. they kept giving the tickets to my family because i have a huge family. so i said, guys, please come out. that was the night they came out and saw me eliminated.

>>it must be a compliment when
tom hanks
tweets about you.

>>and others.

>>jessica alba
. i'm done for the season because it was an outrage.

>>that's funny.

>>jennifer hudson
as well.

>>i appreciate the support so much.

>>what has the experience meant to you?

>>it's opened so many doors. everybody from the staff to the contestants were amazing. it's a dream come true.

>>have you had a chance to spend a night at home? have a home-cooked meal?

>>i haven't yet. but after the tour probably.

>>so you head back to l.a. to support the performers that are still in the running at this point.

>>today i go back.

>>two women left? do you think they could become the "
american idol
"?

'American Idol' season 10

Getting the bad news

A stunned Haley Reinhart, center, learns from Ryan Seacrest, right, that her "American Idol" run is over on Thursday, May 19. Lauren Alaina, left, advances to the final.
(Michael Becker / FOX)
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One more time

Unlikely duo

Nicole Scherzinger performs her new single, “Right There,” with 50 Cent on the show Thursday, May 19. Scherzinger will be one of the hosts on Simon Cowell's new show, "X Factor."
(Michael Becker / FOX)
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Smile, smile, smile

Lauren Alaina waves to her many friends, fans and supporters as she rides by in a red convertible during a parade in Rossville, Ga., on Saturday, May 14.
(Jenna Walker / Chattanooga Times Free Press via AP)
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She holds the key

Finalist Haley Reinhart was given the key to the city of Wheeling, Ill., during her homecoming celebration on Saturday, May 14.
(Timothy Hiatt / Getty Images)
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Center of attention

"American Idol" finalist Haley Reinhart is welcomed by her hometown with a parade and ceremony during Haley Reinhart Day in Wheeling, Ill., on Saturday, May 14.
(Paul Beaty / AP)
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Get to work!

Any requests?

Scotty McCreery performs at an outdoor concert for local fans at his homecoming celebration at Buffaloe Park in Garner, N.C., on Saturday, May 14.
(Steve Exum / Getty Images)
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The bad news

Ryan Seacrest, right, tells James Durbin, left, that he has been eliminated, as Scotty McCreery learns that he is safe for another week.
(Michael Becker / FOX)
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Last song

Following his elimination on Thursday, May 12, James Durbin sang the Paul McCartney song, "Maybe I'm Amazed," which he sang during the second week of the live finals.
(Michael Becker / FOX)
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Enrique Iglesias

Enrique Iglesias performs his new single, "Dirty Dancer," from the "American Idol" stage on Thursday, May 12. The singer announced his new tour, in support of his album, "Euphoria."
(Michael Becker / FOX)
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Look who's 'On the Floor'

Jennifer Lopez shows the hopefuls how it's done as she performs her single "On the Floor" on Thursday, April 5. Her new album "Love?" debuted this week.
(Michael Becker / FOX)
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Lady night

High five

The final five contestants on season 10 of "American Idol," clockwise from top left, James Durbin, Lauren Alaina, Jacob Lusk, Scotty McCreery and Hayley Reinhart.
(Michael Becker / FOX)
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Leave 'em wanting more

Casey Abrams, left, gets the word from Ryan Seacrest that he's been eliminated from "American Idol" on Thursday, April 28. The recipient of the only judges' save this season, Abrams went out in style with a rendition of "I Put a Spell on You" that ranks as the best exit number ever, says TODAY.com's Craig Berman.
(Michael Becker / FOX)
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Two not for the show

Naima Adedapo, left, and Thia Megia bid farewell after being eliminated on Thursday, March 31. The first four singers eliminated this season have been women, thanks to the judges’ use of the save on Casey Abrams last week.
(Michael Becker / Fox)
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Oh, 'Rio'

Strike up the band

"Idol" contestants, from left, James Durbin, Paul McDonald, Casey Abrams and Stefano Langone perform on Thursday, March 31. MacDonald was among the lowest three vote-getters this week.
(Michael Becker / Fox)
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Final 10 plus one

Usually only the top 10 Idol contestants go on to perform on "American Idol's" Live tour, but this year there will be 11. The singers are (clockwise from top left): James Durbin, Paul McDonald, Pia Toscano, Scotty McCreery, Jacob Lusk, Stefano Langone, Lauren Alaina, Casey Abrams, Naima Adedapo, Haley Reinhart and Thia Megia.
(Fox)
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A Hulk-ing announcement

Pro-wrestler Hulk Hogan makes a surprise appearance on "American Idol" to reveal the fates of James Durbin and Paul McDonald, who were both safe and going on tour. Hogan also gave Ryan Seacreast a pro-wrestling punch to the head, hurling him into the audience.
(Fox)
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Jennifer Hudson returns

Jennifer Hudson was back on the stage that made her famous to perform her new song, "Where You At?" "It feels good to be home!" she exclaimed.
(Fox)
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No save tonight

Karen Rodriguez gets the word, alongside host Ryan Seacrest, that she has been eliminated from season 10 of "American Idol" on Thursday, March 17. She did well enough in her last-chance performance to have judge Jennifer Lopez lobby the other judges for her, but not enough to earn the save.
(Michael Becker / Fox)
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Casey Abrams

Casey, a 20-year-old from Idyllwild, Calif., has fought every step of the way to continue in the competition. He was nearly eliminated during semifinals week when he had to be hospitalized for a stomach ailment two days before taping.
(Michael Becker / Fox)
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Thia Megia

Thia, a 16-year-old from Mountain House, Calif., is one of the competition’s youngest hopefuls. During the semifinals, judge Steven Tyler said that her “pitch can be so perfect that it doesn’t matter what song” she sings.
(Michael Becker / Fox)
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James Durbin

James, a 22-year-old from Santa Cruz, Calif., is the only rocker in this season’s competition. His penchant for screams and his big stage personality have drawn comparisons to season eight runner-up Adam Lambert.
(Michael Becker / Fox)
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Pia Toscano

Lauren Alaina

Lauren, a 16-year-old from Rossville, Ga., brought the crowd to its feet with Reba McEntire’s “Turn on the Radio” during the semifinal round. She first ingrained herself in America’s memory by singing Aerosmith -- with Steven Tyler -- for her initial audition.
(Michael Becker / Fox)
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Haley Reinhart

Paul McDonald

Paul, a 26-year-old from Nashville, won high praise from the judges for his version of Rod Stewart’s “Maggie May.” Judge Steven Tyler loved his style
(Michael Becker / Fox)
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Karen Rodriguez

Karen, a 21-year-old from New York, gave judge Jennifer Lopez goose bumps with her Spanish version of Mariah Carey’s “Hero.” It was a move that won America’s votes during the semifinals.
(Michael Becker / Fox)
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Scott McCreery

Scott, a 17-year-old country crooner from Garner, N.C., was the first of the guys to become a finalist. He performed “Letters From Home” during the semifinals to clinch his spot.
(Michael Becker / Fox)
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Stefano Langon

Stefano, a 21-year-old from Kent, Wash., was the only male singer the judges picked for a wild-card spot. He performed “I Need You Now” for his last-chance performance, and Steven Tyler declared that the young singer “gilded the lily of your own passion.”
(Michael Becker / Fox)
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Naima Adedapo

Naima, a 26-year-old Milwaukee native, was the last of the judges’ wild-card picks. Steven Tyler said she was the new Ella Fitzgerald after she performed “Summertime” during the semifinals.
(Michael Becker / Fox)
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